Romanians are increasingly turning to voluntary health insurance to gain access to medical services, with the value of healthcare costs covered under these policies exceeding RON 660 million last year — up 21% compared to 2024. A significant share of these expenses no longer had to be borne by the public health insurance system.

The trend signals a clear shift in consumer behavior: more Romanians are relying on voluntary health insurance to secure quicker access to medical services — including investigations, consultations, and treatments — while also reducing exposure to unexpected healthcare costs.

“We see that Romanians are increasingly benefiting from prompt medical services whenever they need them through voluntary health insurance policies. These products respond to patients’ growing need for speed, predictability, and financial security, at a time when pressure on the public healthcare system remains high,” said Alexandru CIUNCAN, President & General Director of UNSAR.

At the same time, data from the Wellbeing Barometer indicates that healthcare remains one of the areas where the gap between expectations and reality is still visible. Romania scored 6.5 out of 10 in this category, ranking below most countries in the region — a sign that, in practice, access to healthcare services and preventive care remains limited for many people.

“There are still significant challenges when it comes to population health and access to medical services, and solutions cannot come from a single direction. Voluntary health insurance is part of this broader effort — contributing not only to faster access to care but also to better financial planning. At the same time, prevention and education play a crucial role in helping us live healthier and more balanced lives over the long term,” said Roxana BĂLUȚĂ, Life and Health Insurance Specialist & Program Coordinator at UNSAR.